The Claim for Ciel
Moving on.
xxx
For five years we toiled. Slaying men and women. Betraying the trust of all who came close. Leading destruction in our wake as we scour the land for our prey. Hell and high water came in storms, sinking us to the darkest depths. The world growing larger the closer our ultimate goals became. Constantly did the fates tease us. Robbing us of our darkest desire. Today, tomorrow, a year from the day we awaken believing the turmoil ended. And finally, when those angels burned in the fires they sacrificed the masses to in service of the high one, the conclusion of our journey seemed nigh. She achieved revenge for her dead family. Using the nightmares plaguing her to subdue all in her path. The boy I sought to claim would finally be mine. A young woman who I grew to love would be eternally mine. Our struggles were over.
As my victory was at my lips, my love transformed forever into a creature of Hell, my young master was stolen out from under me. A short breeze taunting my tongue and lips, and escaping to the wind where it was lost. In that instance, you broke me. The composure I pride myself in shattered like porcelain. My torment was not over. My hunger left unsatisfied. And My Lady's nightmare prolonged for however longer. A year passed and we reclaimed what you and your disgusting master stole. Still it was not our triumph. My Master was not himself. A shell who lost the revenge his sister struggled to achieve. Surrendering her humanity in place of ending her pain.
No longer. I will not allow it. Tonight I shall make you pay for this outrage. My Master will be made whole once again. And then, once that is accomplished, I will sit idly by as My Lady unleashes her full fury upon you, and devours your master's soul whilst you watch and writhe. Her hunger is growing, you see. Ha-ha. And there is nothing more dangerous than a starving demoness.
xxx
The Triplets attacked. Canterbury wielding silver clamps. Thompson gained ownership of a mallet and long chisel. While Timber ran forth with a ladder. Ciel in his arms and his safety the priority, Sebastian chose flight instead of fight. Alliahnna led the run, dragging Sebastian by the tail coat. The part of the forest was too enclosed. Protecting Ciel and launching counterstrike will be borderline taxing. He sprinted backwards, dodging and weaving between swift strikes by the triplets. The clamps snapped. Ciel curled in Sebastian's hold. A breeze tickled his nose. He never lost footing. Turning ones back on a demon of any age is begging for trouble. A risk Sebastian dared not taunt whilst his master was in his arms.
Alois lavished the spectacle. He sadistically pondered how long the Phantomhive's and their butler can continue running. Claude, however, decided tact was needed in this juncture. "Group Attack: Welcome to the Fierce Raking from Hell!" He poetically, if not dramatically announced.
The Triplets circled and trapped the retreating trio, enclosing inch by inch. Sebastian and Alliahnna stood back to back. The Triplets possessed speed and dexterity. An asset to their style. Along with their almost telepathic fighting prowess. It was not difficult to discern the three were in perfect sync. Neither one paced faster, or missed the others stances. Alliahnna was excited.
"To think I left my sword at home."
"You what?!" Ciel barked.
"Not to worry." Alliahnna dug inside her blazer. She twirled a pair of daggers Jasper loaned to her. "These will suffice for the time being."
"Be on your guard." Sebastian warned her, disapproving she's allowing her bloodlust to fuel her impulsive behavior. "These three are prepared this time."
"As am I…" Alliahnna licked her lips. Her foot dug, and she charged forward.
The Triplets stopped their orbit on a dime. She was darting for Canterbury, licking the length of her dagger. Canterbury opened the clamps, extending them for her puny neck, and crushed them closed. A dagger took her neck's place. Alliahnna sprouted behind him. The moon reflected her second dagger. She drove the razor blade for his neck. A ladder shoved around her shoulder, trapping both her arms at her sides. The dagger hit the ground. Alliahnna grit her teeth, seething at Timber anchoring her in place. Canterbury countered next. He released the small weapon and locked the clamp around Alliahnna's ankle, limiting her maneuverability. A shadow at her feet inflated, cloaking her. Thompson dove for her, aligning the chisel for her skull. Alois drooled in anticipation of her blood spilling.
"ALLIAHNNA!" Ciel shrieked. Sebastian prevented him from lunging so foolishly.
The cold, smooth tool a hair's length from breaking skin. Alliahnna grinned. She dropped and slipped free. The chisel impaled the grass, becoming stuck in roots. Alliahnna crushed Canterbury's neck in her grasp. The clamp left his fingers. Alliahnna stomped and broke the crossed pincers apart. She tore the ladder away from Timber, and threw Canterbury into him. She spun the ladder over her head. Thompson yanked his tool free and spun. A kick faster than his eye broke the chisel at the neck. The ladder cracked on the side of his head, breaking in half, and sending him crashing in a pile of his brothers.
"Good show." Sebastian ironically praised them. "You're all exceptionally skilled. Although, I must admit, you seem to severely lack compared to My Lady."
A fact that is boiling her blood. "I believe I asked you boys to come at me full force!" Alliahnna huffed irately, throwing the broken ladder aside. "Unless, of course, your desire to hold back is acceptance that I am out of your league." Alliahnna was vastly underestimated when she first trespassed upon these grounds. Blood will stain their halls if they make the same mistake twice.
The Triplets flipped to their feet, gathering what remained of their weapons. Alliahnna sprang backwards, retrieving one of her daggers. Canterbury lashed out with his halved clamps. Alliahnna rolled to the side, grabbing her second dagger. A opening appeared in their formation when they chased her. Sebastian charged the opening, evading two of the Triplets. Thompson lunged his mallet, redeeming himself for his blunder. Alliahnna dropped from nowhere, planting a boot square to his face. She flipped off, kicking the boy off the beaten path.
Sebastian snuck an impressed grin at her. She pivoted on her landing, sprinting after him. Her speed and agility were becoming a feat of her own. Thanks to her, the road ahead to saving his master was paving for him. He couldn't help but chuckle adoringly to the boy cradled in his arms. He wore weakness perfectly. He looked like a child. The time he spent carrying that very child in that trunk flashed in his mind. He silently enjoyed that moment. His Lady hot on his heels to prevent her brother from being stolen again.
"It was like carrying a doll..." He reminisced. Leaping tree to tree, escaping in the storm ridden darkness of the ran. Ciel fast asleep inside the trunk. Never bothered, never blemished. "Running virtually unburdened."
"Did you say something?!" Ciel broke his daydream.
"Only that it would be far, far easier to carry you if you were in some sort of container. Like a trunk, I'd say." A laugh tickled his throat. The funniest of jokes are often the true ones retained to a handful.
Alliahnna ran up alongside him, "This is hardly the time to be telling bad jokes!" She snarled.
"My apologies, My Lady." Alois and Claude are approaching on their escape route. Elude them first, then proceed to tell jokes.
Alois' twisted smile protruded the black night. It was too thrilling. Sebastian and Alliahnna charging straight for him. Ciel safeguarded by them both. Alois should be fearful. Instead he could barely contain his excitement. Ciel was coming right toward him. Claude impeded thee direct line to his master. Sebastian welcomed the challenge. He spun on a sudden stop, rounding a swift kick which brushed air to Claude's forehead. Alliahnna darted beneath the descending leg, passing clear between Alois and Claude. A boastful smirk savored Alois frightened expression, and irritated the auburn orbs masked behind the glasses haze. Sebastian's foot planted. He pushed off the ground, vaulting high in the air and landing several feet on the other side. He and Alliahnna vanished into the night. Ciel with them.
Alois was astounded. Sebastian's acrobatics were simply flawless. truly a man one should tread carefully about crossing. And Alliahnna. She's different from before. A dangerous girl indeed. A graze tore his dress to his hip, drawing blood. He gasped in shock. Claude's sleeve also tore. His skin blemished a bleeding scar. He pretended not to acknowledge the papercut. Deep down in his pride, he was furious. Slowing down Alliahnna's charge, she managed to leave her mark before retreating. Alois was dumbstruck. He never saw it coming. She could have slit his throat if she wanted.
"Sebastian's amazing~" Alois cuddled to Claude's back, teasing him cruelly. "And Alliahnna isn't half bad herself." Claude's brow bounced. "You know, Claude, those two might actually be better than you. We should force them both to crawl on their bellies like dogs. What do you think?" Claude liked the sound of that. "Can you make that happen, Claude?" Claude's eyes opened, sharper than a guillotine blade.
xxx
Disasters wreaking havoc in the forest hadn't so much as jostled the invulnerable walls of the manor. The ball progressed in a docile flow. Bellies full of horderves and wine, the dance floor blossomed couples in a graceful dance. They glided across the floor, letting the music sweep them off their feet.
Phoebus offered Elizabeth a dance to pass them time. Neither Ciel, Sebastian, or Alliahnna had returned from wherever they rushed off to. Schneizel offered his arm to Paula, wishing for the second most beautiful woman in his life to enjoy herself. Soma, Agni, Lao, and Ran-Mao abstained for the time. Dancing wasn't really their thing. A shame they can't follow a page in Finnian, Mey-Rin, and Bardroy's book. Those three haven't stopped since the music began.
The music slowed to silence. Couples curtsied and bowed, then applauded the orchestra for their outstanding performance. Elizabeth sighed solemnly, sneaking a glance to the walls. Still no Ciel or Alliahnna. "They will return." Phoebus reassured her. "If you and I know those two as well as we think we do, they are ones for solitude more than association."
Phoebus earned a flushed smile from Elizabeth. He described Ciel and Alliahnna to a Tee. "Yes. You're right. They probably hiding in the library." She giggled.
"What's that?" A man remarked. Attention shifted to a red velvet, golden tassel cloth draped to a mysterious item.
Squeaking wheels drew in the curious audience. Dazzled eyes trailed the ambiguous object, widening in enamour and awe of the gorgeous, silver haired Hannah. Her ebony macabre costume flattered his lithe supple figure. The bow at her lower back bounced, brushing her exposed back. Her beauty aside, most were drawn by the bandaged adorning her left eye. Sympathy arose with the marveling whispers. The crowd seemed to freeze in place, worried they may impede her work. Mutters of the object, and murmurs of Hannah echoed.
Hannah positioned her item in the center of the room. When she was certain she had them in her thrall, she whipped the cloth off. Oohs and ahhs of the grim netherworld table spiked. A skull on the forefront with spider legs stretching across. By the cylindrical shaped of the top, guesses that it was a piano were voiced.
"Oh…" Lao recognized the instrument. Schneizel too recognized the item. It filled him with horror.
"What's in there?" Mey-Rin touched her cheek.
"An instrument, maybe!" Finnian was giddy with excitement.
"This is a surprise." Lao commented. Hannah opened the instrument. A bar ran through the base of uniform purple bowls. Small to large. "I certainly never expected to see that here tonight."
"See what?" Hannah set up the stool, smoothing her dress as she sat. "You know what that is?" Soma inquired.
"As do I." Schneizel rumbled. The thin champagne glass was on the verge of breaking in his fingers. "After all I've seen, it is my fond hope its legend is simply a myth."
Hannah's pleasantly pink tongue seductively lathered her fingers. She suckled on two for extra lube. The faces of the men, and Mey-Rin flushed bright pink at her flawless technique. She stepped one foot on a pressure pad. Rhythmic bobs got the bowls spinning. Hannah lightly touched the rims. Harmonic hymns resounded alluring hypnotic tolls. Dulcet tones traveled ballroom. An invisible orchestra teased the ear with it's sepulchral sound. Beauty in melancholy. Wary onlookers beamed at how lovely she played, gathering around to admire her craft. A foreign, exotic instrument played by an equally exotic woman.
"GRR!" Soma winced. He grabbed onto his splitting head.
"My Prince!" Agni cried. White hot agony drilled into his head.
The ballroom, basking in ah, was filled with cries of agony and anguish. The people wailed in despair, covering their bleeding ears. Phoebus dropped to one knee, crushing his ear to block the horrid sound. Elizabeth and Paula cried shrilly. Soma and Agni could barely stay standing. No matter how had they pressed their hands to their ears the sound pierced their skulls.
Schneizel, suffering under the same torment, seethed at the deceptively innocuous instrument. "I was right!"
xxx
Sebastian found an area where they could all catch their breath. Ciel panted heavily sitting against a tree. Too close for comfort was their escape. Mostly it was his quieting adrenaline leaving him winded. Another second more, and perhaps Alois would have him in his clutches. Not that he doubts Alliahnna and Sebastian. He just isn't recovered from the ordeal in the manor to vest faith in what is not in their grasp.
Alliahnna wasn't 100% either. But she was tired. She was entranced, ogling her hands and body, as if they were on loan from another. She hardly recognized herself. Opening and closing her fingers, her nerves vibrated. Weakness and strength battled in her muscles. She felt incredible. As well as scared.
Sebastian smirked at the pair. Especially Ciel. In the face of adversity, the lives of everyone hanging in the balance, he danced with the devils and dared them to act. Staring death in his eye. Unwavering, unyielding, and unafraid. That is his master. That is the soul he seeks to devour.
A hum unnerved Sebastian. Alliahnna heard it as well, arching a confused brow. "Master, please cover your ears." Sebastian urged.
"My ears? Why?" The music slithered inside Ciel's head. Sharp pressure bore in his head. Alliahnna gaped in dismay. Sebastian knelt to him, covering the boy's ears. "What is that horrid noise?!" He cringed.
"Noise? Do you mean the music?" Alliahnna questioned if they were hearing the same sound. It sounded beautiful.
"I haven't heard it in a while." Sebastian thoughtfully announced to himself. "A least a hundred years, I'd say."
"We're all hearing the same music?" Alliahnna asked skeptically. Ciel was writhing in pain. She was coaxed to take a nap. "It sounds beautiful. Why is Ciel like this?"
"Because this music is not meant for human ears."
Before Sebastian could explain further, the triplets returned for another round. New brand of gardening tools in their hands. Timber's axe gleamed in the moon light. Canterbury's dual saws sent chills crawling to Ciel's skin. Thompson's innocuous looking block shaver bothered Alliahnna.
"These three don't give up." Alliahnna drew her daggers, accepting their challenge. "Sebastian, don't so much as budge from Ciel." Alliahnna's fists tightened. The gleam in her eyes ripped into the approaching Triplets. "I'll make swift work of these children!"
"Then we must return to the ball!" Ciel implored. He his outside, well away from the ballroom and still the music harms him. Those inside are within close proximity, suffering under it's deadly harmonic hymn.
"Not to worry, Master." Sebastian chortled. "Fortunately, three of our very capable friends are in attendance at the ball." He glanced to Alliahnna, watching her stalk toward the three boys. "I am sure they will be fine." Besides, Claude was still lurking nearby. Sebastian will not leave Alliahnna alone with him. Not yet.
xxx
The sound transcended the ears and clawed its way to the very core of the suffering crowd's conscious minds. The pain shot from their skulls to their back, crippling them to defeat on the ground. Elizabeth's delicate ear couldn't stand it any longer. She crumbled to her knees, tears welling in her eyes. Paula tried to console her, but her own ears bled under the tone. Bardroy, Finnian, and Mey-Rin were losing their minds, screaming at the top of their lungs. Phoebus ground his head in the wall, distracting the noise with pain. Nothing worked. Soma sought answers from Lao who voiced familiarity with the instrument. He and Ran-Mao corked their ear, impervious from the start.
Schneizel knew of this instrument. He refused to be added to its growing list of victims. He dug in his pockets. He was pleased he remembered his ear plugs. The tiniest of sounds arouse him from slumber. He stuck them in his ears. It wasn't completely blocked, but the volume was less harmful. He found Phoebus and tore off his mask. The earplugs were placed. Phoebus went limp with relief. Unfortunately, he did not have enough. Everyone was was still suffering.
One of the guests whimpered on his hands and knees. Mush became of his mind. He succumbed to the music. Then, as if a switch were flicked, a twisted grin split his lips. A purple tint highlighted his void eyes. The same happened with the rest who gave in to the music's damning hums. Their minds were no longer their own as they rose to their feet, taking up the decorative weapons lining the ballroom.
"PRINCE SOMA!" Agni pulled the disoriented Soma. Narrowly did an xing cello miss, and smash to pieces on the floor. The owner laughed crazily. Saliva leaked to his jaw.
"LORD SCHNEIZEL!" Phoebus lunged forward, catching a spear meant for Schneizel's heart. The woman wielding the spear was laughing like the rest.
"Has everyone gone mad?!" Soma tried to reach the insane people.
"It is the music!" Schneizel roared venomously. "It is an instrument orchestrated by man, but cursed the touch of demons!" Hannah being the perfect operator for such a tool. "It drives the minds of men to insanity. Blood has stained this weapon!" The cackling crowd in the instruments grasp testify to his claim.
"How do we set them free?" Soma winced, closing his ears.
Elizabeth and Paula awoke with a similar stare. Phoebus swiftly rendered them unconscious. It pained him to harm close friends, but it was a necessary evil. "We must silence the instrument!" Phoebus declared. The hoard of people inhibited their direct path. "But it would seem our fellow guests will not allow that."
"Then we will require help!" Agni unwrapped his bandaged hand. He jabbed his thumb, wrist, and two fingers into Mey-Rin, Bardroy, and Finnian's necks. The three regained their breath, and breathed out in relief. They were virtually deaf to the sounds.
"That feels much better." Bardroy massaged his head.
"Oh dear. I thought my head would crack, yes I did." Mey-Rin quivered.
"Thank you, Agni." Finnian gleamed.
Schneizel tied Soma's hat flaps to his ears. The sound was significantly muffled. "On your guard!" Agni tore off his mustache. "Here they come!"
"Knock them unconscious!" Schneizel ordered. "Disarm only!"
"RIGHT!" Everyone barked.
Ran-Mao descended in the center of the fray. She floated in midair, thrusting a powerful heel kick to a man's neck. She twisted bringing her other leg up, slamming it to another man's back. She rebound off the floor, connecting her foot to a woman's face.
Schneizel kicked a long pole to his hands, twirling it to a stance. He jabbed back. The end struck a man's ribs. He fell like a cut doll. A woman lunched, driving forks at him. Schneizel's swift kick sent her flying into three others, bowling them over. He spun the pole, hitting the torsos of four more people, knocking them out cold. A man charged behind him. The violin raised above. Agni drove a high fly kick to his side. The planters crashed into shambles. Agni weaved backwards, catching two knife wielding gentlemen by the heads and cracked them together.
Phoebus and Soma, back to back, conjoined their arms. Soma kicked one person, and then heaved Phoebus, launching him for a devastating punch. The wounded woman crashed into the buffet table. He crouched low. Soma planted hands to his back, swinging his legs in a fluttering kick. Three more were tossed to the ground. He swung off Phoebus, who scooped up a stack of plates. He launched them like disks. They shattered on their targets, sending them plummeting into black.
Bardroy grabbed a man in a choke hold, driving him to the floor. Finnian hurtled tables at people, subduing them a group at a time. Mey-Rin set her glasses atop her brow. She drew two pistols, shooting the weapons out of the grasps of the possessed people.
xxx
The axe sliced the air. Alliahnna snorted impassively. Her fingers stopped the falling blade in a vice. A slit near the thumb released a thin trail of blood. Timber was stunned by the near flawless catch. Her hand unwavering as he poured his strength to the tool. She feasibly stayed the axe. An emotionless glare peeling his vacant soul. Alliahnna ripped the axe from his hands, plowing a punch that twisted his cheek. The power sent him flying, leveling bushes, and a tree's trunk splintering on collision with his back.
Ciel gaped in awe. "Incredible..." Alliahnna danced between Canterbury and Thompson, parrying their blows with both bare hand and dagger. "Simply amazing. Alliahnna's new power never ceases to surprise me."
"Not so surprising, really." Sebastian chimed, his hands still over Ciel's ears. "I found it necessary for my theory to be put into practice," Alliahnna's whirlwind kick sent the boys flying in opposite directions, "But I surmised she'd be capable of facing these three in due time."
"Then why warn her to exercise caution?"
"Because I would hate for the arrogance accompanying her newfound strength to weaken her defenses."
"Alliahnna isn't arrogant!" Ciel snarled. How dare Sebastian suggest such a thing.
"Generally, no. But her disdain for the Trancy's and sadism beckon it." He stared challengingly to the fuming boy. "Or am I right in assuming you've forgotten our arrival to the manor." Ciel's gasped, eyes widening on that quick and dangerous moment. Alliahnna blindly tried to attack Claude, failing when Sebastian stopped her. It was brief, but he's sure he saw her smile then. "She is well disciplined in battle. However," Her cute bubble expressions were dull and aggravated, "She loses patience with those who show the same arrogance.
Canterbury launched a strike from the air, crossing the saws. Alliahnna threw the axe. It spun like a pinwheel. The blade ricocheted off the crossed saws, throwing Canterbury's trajectory wayward. Alliahnna leapt and caught the axe. Holding it above her head she descended upon the staggering twin. She swatted the saws. Canterbury met her smirk as she flipped behind him last second. Her hand hooked the back of his collar. Thompson came running at her with whatever weapon he dug from the shed. Alliahnna threw her weight doward. She heaved Canterbury over her shoulder, throwing him and his brother to a tree.
Timber, the sole fighter, staggered in his trembling shoes. Alliahnna stalked closer. Daggers out to the sides, and sapphire eyes reflecting the ominous moon, she resembled a true demon. Timber turned on his heels, retreating far into the forest. Alliahnna grudgingly huffed, sheathing the daggers in her blazer. The danger has past, but her lust for blood has not been satisfied.
"What an absolute bore!" She snapped. "I'd rather be at the ball listening to these hazardous hums!"
Ciel nearly forgot. Everyone at the ball is in danger. "Let's go! We need to get back to the ball!"
"A capital idea." Sebastian's hands left Ciel's head. The music burrowed in his ear, continuing to eat at him. "Our mission here is complete! Let us return before our enemies receive to great a start."
"I wouldn't worry too much." Alliahnna sprinted after Sebastian. "Schneizel and Phoebus aren't pushovers. They probably have everything under control.
xxx
A man broke a champagne bottle on Phoebus's head. Agni punched the man to the floor. He helped Phoebus, inspecting the wound. Phoebus assured him he was fine. Seeing double, however, may be frowned upon in England. He mustered a third wind and kept fighting. His friends and loved ones were depending on him.
Mey-Rin's ammunition was running low fast. She saved a bundle if she could simply kill them. Using innocent people to do their dirty work sickened her. Finnian was losing steam too. The strength he possesses is enough to amputate a man. Holding back is more exhausting. Bardroy. He was winded just from throwing their weight around.
There was literally no end to the hoard. Soma and Schneizel observed the odds against them. They were stacking. And, in their pursuits to not kill anyone, they will only continue to do so. "Alliahnna...Sebastian...where are you?" Phoebus pleaded.
xxx
There was a somber twinge in Alliahnna's heart. Schneizel? She ran ahead, leaping in the trees and leaving sebastian and Ciel behind. Sebastian marveled at her speed, quickening his own. Ciel fidgeted in his arms, whimpering as the music became louder the closer to the manor they trekked.
"Master, are you alright?"
"I'm fine! Just shut up and run!"
"Yes sir!" Sebastian followed Alliahnna lead, skipping across the trees.
xxx
Hannah's finger danced to the rotating bowls with incredibly race. Not a single note was skipped. Her arms flourished. Effortlessly did she command the instrument. Immune to the fracas quaking the ballroom. The harder her puppets fought, and the more they fell, double the amount rose again for another go.
Soma subdued two men with fast punches. Agni kicked chins, throwing bodies to the floor. It was not enough. "Damn! There are too many!" Soma backed away from the encroaching bodies. Agni kept as close to his prince as he could. He was also backed into a corner.
Phoebus out of breath and on a knee, Schneizel towered by him. He was in no better shape. The tighter the encompassing people's formation grew, the greater the sensation a knife would impale his back. This is not the sort of end either men wanted. At the very least they both will go down fighting.
Mey-Rin, Finnian, and Bardroy were back to back. Both men had no more strength left to give, and Mey-Rin was fresh out of bullets. Ghoulish hands snaked to them. People piled onto Soma, preventing Agni from reaching him. Schneizel and Phoebus were restrained with knives at their necks. It was all over.
Pale, black nailed fingers stroked a water glasses rim. A hollow ringing coincided with Hannah's instrument. A melodic lullaby traversed the hall, chasing the harsh tones back to the Hells which spawned them. The hypnotized guests frozen mid march.
Schneizel and Phoebus opened their eyes. their captures completely stopped. Rooted like garden ornaments. They slipped their limbs free, pushing the people off of them. The change of music assuaged the previous agony. Removing their earplugs, they were stunned by the beautiful toles reverberating.
"Where is that coming from?" Phoebus breathlessly searched.
"Prince Soma! Your Highness!" Agni was so desperate to reach his prince he hadn't realized how easy it was to shove the people away. "Are you alright, My Prince?!" He pleaded, helping him to sit up straight.
"Yes, Agni. But what is happening?" He was baffled by the ceased onslaught. Schneizel and Phoebus showed their removed earplugs. A sign it was safe for ear to be bear. Removing his cap, Soma was amazed. "The sound has changed." No longer a painful sonata.
"LOOK!" Finnian pointed to the second level. The ornate wall rail was lined with water glasses, each filled to a precise and different ounce. "It's Sebastian!" Sebastian's magical fingers glided gracefully on the rims. A song as soft the quills on a feather resonated with Hannah's aggressive tones. In a matter of second it relaxed the ballroom, alleviating the tormented of their pain. Finnian and Mey-Rin were relaxed, taken by the tender song. Bardroy wiggled a finger in his ear, thinking his hearing was acting up.
"A butler, a cook, and a musician?" Schneizel teasingly listed on his fingers. "Our Allie is one lucky girl."
"No doubt." Phoebus reveled in sebastian's playing.
"Simply magnificent..." Agni revered, glossy in the orchestra filling the room. Hannah and Sebastian, opposites in gender and instrument, melded in a dazzling duet. "Sebastian's music is merging perfectly with hers, transforming the quality of the sound. Her threatening ominous playing becomes a melody full of warmth and kindness." Happiness overwhelmed him to joyous tears. Such a change is incredible. We are blessed to witness such purity in a performer. True beauty! What a transcendence! Thank you, Sebastian!"
Hannah was losing her audience to his intervening. She sped up the panel, gliding to the higher notes to overlap him. Sebastian matched her maneuver. In the blink of an eye he darted from one side of the second floor to the other. His incredible speed merged the split second rings emanating from his water glasses. The sound augmenting with Hannah's.
Mey-Rin blushed beet red. "He plays like some sort of god! So beautiful!" Blood sputtered from her nose. She swooned into Alliahnna's arms.
"Bear in mind, he is my god." She giggled.
"Lady Alliahnna!" She gasped, snapping to attention. "When did you-" Alliahnna touched Mey-Rin's flying lips. She shushed her, motioning for her to enjoy Sebastian's show.
Hannah's musical effects died. The frozen people broke free of their trance. Like moths to a flame, Sebastian's feats drew them in. Ran-Mao sensed the diminishing danger, and parted her costume. Elizabeth and Paula awoke between her legs.
A one man orchestra challenging the woman's solo. Dozen's of Sebastian's tickled the glasses. Louder and louder the glasses rung. Hannah pressed her fingers harder to the bowls. Her foot pounded the pressure pad, driving the aged instrument at its maximum speed. her ominous drones battled for supremacy. She would demolish the interloper. The passion in either player's music took a toll. The spinning bowls started to chip and crack. Still Hannah played. The bowls barely held together. One more push. Sebastian's crimson orbs shot open. Intense pressure shattered the bowls, and Hannah fell with her instrument, a failure in this contest of aria. To which Sebastian ended his melody, savoring his victory.
Applause and cheers erupted. Praise to the absent Alois was heard amongst the crowd. Nevertheless, Sebastian bowed in their appreciation of his concert. He quite enjoyed it. Alliahnna, Schneizel, Phoebus and the others were amazed beyond words. Sebastian never ceases to amaze.
"There you are, Allie!" Elizabeth wrapped to her arm. "Where have you been? You and Ciel have practically missed the ball!" She playfully poked her nose, ""And let's not forget, you must share a dance with Sebastian before the night ends."
"Sorry, Lizzie. Ciel wasn't feeling well." She bashfully rubbed the back of her head. She would not dignify the remainder of dancing with Sebastian with a response. Arguing or declining would land her in hot water.
"I still do not understand what happened." Soma remarked.
Alliahnna sniggered under her breath. "Oh, you know." Sebastian leapt to the defeated Hannah's side, whispering in her ear. It did not lift her shamefully hung head. "Sebastian wanted to include his own unique performance before the night was over."
"What a show off." Ciel scoffed from his place at the mantle, pretending to not be impressed.
"You're back, Ciel!" Elizabeth sparkled.
"Where did you three disappear to exactly?" Schneizel's glower locked to Alliahnna.
"A bit of fresh air, Schneizel! Nothing more!" She waved her hands in feigned innocence. Schneizel sniffed her lie in a split second. He let her slide all the same. Not like she'd tell him.
"What exactly was that instrument she was playing?" Ciel noted the ghoulish instrument. It resembled an artifact Undertaker would own. If it wasn't his now.
"An Armonica." Sebastian nostalgically pronounced. A hundred years since he last heard the instrument, and still it gives him chills. "it was popular in the 18th century. Some called it the voice of the angels. Others feared it disturbed the minds of those who heard it." The original orchestrater of the Armonica relished in his instrument. Madness beckoning him as he conjured the most blissful of tones. "Thus it fell into the dark corners as a demon's instrument."
Ciel smiled at the irony. "An instrument made by humans, yet played by demons." An elegantly crafted contradiction of the musical realm. "The negative effects did not seem to bother either of you."
"Now that you mention it," Alliahnna toyed with her ear, "I can't help but compliment on how beautiful the armonica sounded." Danger hidden by beauty. A commonality in this day and age.
"I found it to be pleasant as well." Sebastian grinned. He did say humans aren't meant to hear it. He wrapped an arm around Alliahnna's shoulders, drawing her to his side. "Quite comical." He pinched her chin, running his thumb on her lower lip. "How deceptively dangerous the beautiful can be." The purr in his whisper reddened Alliahnna's cheeks. She sheepishly furrowed her brow, looking away from his alluring stare. He loved when she played difficult.
Schneizel sprouted and wedged the pair apart. As is his fatherly right. "In light of preference," He and Sebastian exchanged glares, "The instrument has been banned in several countries due to the terrible tale behind it."
"Why would someone play such a thing at a costume ball?!" Soma snarled.
"As a diversion for my guests." Heads turned to the entrance. Alois Trancy - ironically dressed as an imp - arrived fashionably late to his own party. The boy changes remarkably fast. Claude and the Triplets accompanied him. Alois entered the ballroom, ensnaring his guests. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please excuse me for being late. I'm Alois Trancy. I'm so honored that you came."
The crowd murmured dumbfounded. They weren't expecting Alois to be so young. The Trancy's are well known by reputation. To be in one's presence is a rarity. Schneizel and Phoebus did not stoop to fanatics of the boy. Beneath that prim and proper posture is the essence of a pure devil.
"I see that you enjoyed the entertainment while I was away." He snuck a disgusted sneer at the humiliated Hannah. "It pleases me that it was to you liking." He bowed to the crowd, ending the assemblage on a positive note. The Triplets cleaned up the mess and helped Hannah escape the ballroom. Alois spotted the Phantomhive's madly glaring in his direction. He sauntered to them, and they to him. Schneizel and Phoebus watched him like a hawk. That boy was up to something.
"That performance was outstanding." He broke the thinning ice between him, the twins, and Sebastian. "I must say you have a true talent for music, Sebastian."
"I cannot accept such praise." He crossed a hand to his chest. "I am simply one Hell of a butler.
"Yes, he is quite a servant. And Lady Alliahnna's skills are far superior than Claude led me believe." Claude didn't allow the remark to bother him. It was merely a fluke by a child trying on a skin two sizes too big for her. Nothing more. "You are quite lucky, Earl Phantomhive."
"He is merely a butler. And my sister simply acted. Nothing more." Alliahnna snickered at the harsh words. Ciel wasn't moved by the apparent pretense.
"Master." Sebastian gently interrupted. "i would like to have a word with Claude, if you wouldn't mind." Ciel and Alliahnna simultaneously lifted a brow at him. "It shouldn't take terribly long."
"Fine, but do it swiftly." He grudgingly hinted.
"Yes, My Young Lord."
"He can do that. Right, Claude?" Alois innocently accepted. A menacing glower evaporated his cheery exterior. "10 minutes, Claude!" He commanded under his breath. "I want you to settle this quickly! If you can't do that you'll be punished!"
"Yes, Your Highness." Hollow threats of a child do not frighten him.
The two demon butlers moseyed for the back door. Alliahnna knit her brow at Sebastian. This is not the first time he and Claude rendezvoused alone. Threats were exchanged, and a battle came close to tearing the grounds apart.
"Alliahnna." Ciel stepped beside her, watching the butlers exit. "You are to ensure their talk does not disturb this ball any further. Understood."
"I'll do my best." Is all she can offer. Claude and Sebastian individually are out of her league. Together? She would be dead in seconds.
xxx
Sebastian and Claude secretly convened at the rather large pond well away from the manor. The moon close to the center point in the navy sky ignited the bouncing lilypads in a glow. Algae and minerals in the pond sparkled like diamonds. Claude stood at the end of the short dock, gazing to the wonders of nature surrounding them. Whimsical. Infinitesimal. Delicate. Much like the humans he and Sebastian interrelate with.
Rustling bushes coaxed their eyes to the corners. Alliahnna emerged from the cover of the forest. Deadpan courage scrunched her normally relaxed features. her sapphire eyes truly resembling swords. She stopped a few feet from the slightly hurt Sebastian. He chuckled with hands to his hips.
"Does My Young Master not trust me?" He teased.
"He trusts you well enough." Alliahnna accepted that as a welcome and joined him at his side. "It's HIM we don't trust." Claude's back to her obscured the smile that died to show itself.
"Great minds think alike, I suppose. In which I accept your judgement." Sebastian turned his undivided attention to the spider. "You are nothing if not persistent. You've been hunting my master most relentlessly." A scold in place of praise.
"My Master ordered it." Claude simply answered. Nothing more, nothing less. "He instructed me to steal Ciel Phantomhive from Sebastian Michaelis." Alliahnna's knuckles crackled balling to fists. "You, Lady Alliahnna, were not planned. In fact," He faced her. One lens was hued by a by the moon's gleam, "Rumors of your death in Paris reached the ears here in England. That a blaze claimed your life as it fictitiously claimed your brother's."
"An exaggeration!" She spat. And a ploy set by her and Sebastian in the event they were searched for. "I've survived nine years. Cheating death and stepping on his toes so I can obtain the revenge denied to my brother. NOT so a band of fifth rate scavengers can steal him from me and Sebastian!" She snarled murderously. "Knowing that your vile, putrid hands touched him is enough to make my skin crawl!"
Claude gazed to his hand. "Just the feel of him." He bounced his fingers, twisting the wrist as if grasping a fragile ball. "One rarely handles a soul so fine." Rabid growls reverberated Alliahnna's throat. The moment her eyes blazed to ethereal pink, Sebastian sensed her inner demon overlaying her mind. He leashed her with a hand to her shoulder. Harmless at first blush. But the grip was iron clad. "So loyal to the Young Earl. An unyielding bond of sibling love." Claude blatantly mocked her. Those auburn orbs narrowed, watching her closely. "How fleeting a dedication. It will all amount to nothing," His lips flexed one very syllable, "Once he is devoured by your precious Sebastian."
"A bridge we shall cross together when it is reached." Sebastian stepped in front, barring Alliahnna before she makes the mistake of charging. "For now, I shall her revulsion. He is my Young Master! Her brother! He belongs to us!" Rage darkened his eyes. "I cannot abide the thought that some else has touched him. It's enough to make me sick!" The venom dripping from each word robbed Alliahnna of her own rage. "The sticky clinging touch of your vile spiderweb has defiled him!" The look in Sebastian's eyes - she hated that look. When the demon replaces the man. She took a few steps back. Demon energy unlike hers - on a level all its own - suffocated her. "My...MASTER!"
Alliahnna sought refuge in the bushes. "Ciel wanted me to keep the peace?"
Claude placed a gloved hand to his spectacles. He slid them off the bridge of his nose, slipping them into his pocket. "Ciel Phantomhive..." He purred the name. Radiating auburn eyes sundered the heavens. Demonic energy flared from his very being like a blaze in the night. "His soul..." The desired trophy of either demon.
The warring powers seeped into Alliahnna's skin. Thorny vines scaled her limbs, digging in her flesh. The harder she tried to look away, the more compelled to watch she was obliged. Men no longer stood at the water. It was a raven and a spider of the underworld, tearing the human realm asunder for one soul.
"Is a soul really so precious?"
To be continued